UMSL Chancellor Tom George, pictured with North County Incorporated’s Rebecca Zoll, accepted a Community Development Award on behalf of the university at NCI’s annual breakfast. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis was among the honorees at an annual gathering of north St. Louis County residents and leaders last week.

North County Incorporated, a regional development association serving 47 municipalities as well as unincorporated areas, presented a Community Development Award to the university for its “active and varied response to the protests and civil unrest in the Ferguson area.”

UMSL Chancellor Tom George was on hand May 29 to accept the award, which was given in recognition of efforts ranging “from artistic to counseling to breakfast for the clergy who promote compassion.”

“Our students, faculty and staff have a reputation for putting UMSL’s mission into action on a regular basis,” George said. “Ferguson is our neighbor and part of our north St. Louis County community. I hope we can all continue to foster positive change and civil dialogue in our region.”

Rebecca Zoll, president and CEO of NCI, said the awards go to individuals and organizations that have shown a strong commitment to the north St. Louis County region through their business, civic and humanitarian acts.

NCI made mention of specific initiatives by UMSL’s College of Education, Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, Community Psychological Service, Center for Trauma Recovery, Missouri Institute of Mental Health and Chancellor’s Cultural Diversity Council.

To read about the UMSL community’s efforts in the wake of Michael Brown’s death last August, click here.

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